“Can you tell me about yourself?”
For a while I thought this job interview question was an open invitation to give employers as much information about me as possible. Not the case, as I discovered after numerous blank stares and “We’ll call you” responses. I changed my approach and started getting better results.
Generally speaking, you want to focus on three things:
- Job skills—what work skills you have gained
- Work experience—what work experience you have
- Time—how long you have been using your job skills
Most job interviews start with the question, “Can you tell me about yourself?” But how you answer this question is just as important as your answer. Here are three tips for how to answer this question and leave your employers wanting more.
- Be concise: I’ve made the mistake of yammering away about all my work experience and caught my interviewer’s eyes glazing over as I talked. Employers want the movie trailer version of your resume, not the whole feature film. Keep it short and sweet. Pick the three most important things you would like to communicate about yourself and your work experience. If you do it right, the employers will be intrigued by something you said and will ask follow-up questions. When this happens, you have them hooked on wanting to hear more.
- Be excited: Sticking with the movie theme, when you see a boring movie trailer, do you want to go see that film? Me neither. Try discussing the parts of your work experience that excite you. When you talk about topics that get you animated, most employers will notice and appreciate your energy.
- Be relevant: You have about two minutes to answer this question and wow your employer. Only discuss topics that are relevant to the job for which you are applying.
Answering this question well can set the tone for the rest of the interview and compel the interviewers to want to know more.
About Justin Ihara
I love this site, I find a lot of help, with my job search, and I am thankful for people that really care enough to devote so much of their time to helping the rest of us return to work.
I’m glad we can be of service to you and your job search, Vivian! Please keep us posted on your job search. Good luck!
I have applied for a position at Kohls. When I answer all their questions, I am not considered. I do not know what to answer when they ask ask about planning ahead and sticking to what you are doing and finish or be able to do multiple tasks quickly. I have been in retail for ten years and managed a store for for eight off those years. I thought I would be a good candidate. Any suggestions?
Thank you,
Paula Assad
Having been a Career Consultant for more than 10 years, I would say that this is excellent advice. Too often job seekers fall into the trap of talking too much. Remember, you have two ears and one mouth… use them accordingly.
Thanks for the tip, Anne!
This is the hardest question for me in any interview. This is the best answer I have ever seen. Thanks so much. Keep those tips coming!
Happy to be of service to you, Ginger. Please keep us posted on how your job search is going and let us know if you have any questions or find success! Good luck!
I have a very similar situation as Paula Asad’s. Very qualified, but not chosen. Would definitely like to know how you answered her…
What about these assessment test that employers are having us take ? If you answer them honestly you won’t get called, so do they only want to interview liars or what ?
Hi David, check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/the-right-answer-to-assessment-questions/ You shouldn’t be dishonest on assessments because it’s likely that neither you or the employer will be very happy with the way the job fits for you, but what you should do is read the questions carefully – many times I’ve seen people give a quick answer that was incorrect because they didn’t read the questions all the way through or misinterpreted the question.
I applied at Kohl’s and was told I did not fit in with their application process. I answered everything in a positive manner and even had retail experience and supervised others. I sincerely believe it was “age” related. As soon as they ssee your birth date and if they don’t ask for yur birthdate, they ask what year you graduated – DUH! They would dfo well to give an older worker a change because lots of times they can work rings around a younger worker. I haave even been office manager/bookkeeper and so where would I not fit kn? You tell me. I used to shop a lot at Kohl’s but I will find another store instead of shopping there.
I appreciate this young fellows input he helped me temendously I am an older worker and love to get input on how to interview from employers ,I would love to here more from this web site so tell more please.
Why is it that snagajob is always sending me jobs that have already expired? I have had one response back since, I have been with snagajob and thats because I forgot to take the assessment part and when I did take it . No, nothing from anyone after that. I am trying to stay positive but, it is pretty hard to do when you are constantly receiving negative vibes.
Hi Donna, are you clicking on job links that say they’ve expired? If so, we update our listings as quickly as possible so that you don’t apply to opportunities that aren’t currently available, that may be what you’ve encountered.
I am 17 and looking for my first job. Since I have no work experience what so ever a lot of employeers wont even look at my application. Also, I do not drive, or have a state ID, thus it makes it hard to get to and from a job. How should I answer this question?
Any advice?
Thank you.
Hi Ashley, first, volunteer experience can help you get a job:
How can I get experience? http://www.snagajob.com/resources/volunteering-it-does-a-job-search-good/
If you’re looking for a job without transportation, look for something within walking distance, or on a public transportation line. When someone asks you to tell them about you, focus on the things that make you a GREAT employee. Energy? Enthusiasm? A desire to learn? Figure it out, and be ready to make a great impression.
Why does this site have so many non-existent fake jobs posted?
Word is spreading and people are beginning to turn away from your site. You may want to consider starting another fake site so you can keep those self serving revenues up.